I- What are the benefits of good hydration?

Two thirds of the body is made up of water. This means that for a weight of approximately 70 kilos, the human body contains approximately 46 liters of water. Nearly 70% of water is contained in cells, 20% in the space surrounding the cells, and just under 10% in the bloodstream. Water is essential for maintaining the health of the body.

When the amount of water consumed matches the amount excreted, the body's water reserves are well balanced. If you are healthy and not sweating excessively, you should drink at least 2 to 3 liters of fluids per day (about 8 glasses of water) to maintain your fluid balance and protect against certain complications, such as formation of renal lithiasis.

Furthermore, water improves your concentration and memory. Indeed, thanks to water, the nervous system creates connections and helps improve our mental and cognitive abilities. Our brain can then work more efficiently and stimulate our memory and our neurons.

Drinking water flushes out toxins and accelerates cell renewal, which boosts blood circulation and good exchanges in the body. Poor blood exchange and circulation are vectors of disease and promote the appearance of cellulite. Water helps prevent this!

II- What are the signs of dehydration?

The dehydration :

Dehydration can occur when the body's water supply is insufficient.

Dehydration is not “a disease” strictly speaking, it is a physiological state with more or less significant consequences. This physiological state then results from a significant reduction in fluid within the body. Dehydration can be due to malnutrition, severe diarrhea or because of the heat , especially in summer. This liquid, in quantities lower than normal, in the case of a state of dehydration, is essentially composed of water and mineral salts.

Dehydration can affect anyone, but special attention should be given to young children and the elderly.

Causes of dehydration

Diarrhea , the main consequence of dehydration, is caused by:

● a lack of hygiene;

● malnutrition, particularly with regard to “water-rich” foods;

● contact and/or hydration with contaminated water.

This state of dehydration can affect everyone, regardless of age, gender or location. However, the elderly as well as children and infants are categories of people to be considered with more attention. Indeed, as far as the elderly are concerned, they sometimes have more difficulty hydrating themselves regularly, especially during periods of extreme heat. As for children, during the growth period, the consequences of dehydration are more serious than in adults. In this sense, promoting hydration in these categories of people is essential.

When diarrhea is not treated immediately, it can be dangerous. Indeed, the loss of water and mineral salts can have significant consequences in the functioning of the body (vital organs, muscles, brain, etc.), and even more so in growing children or even in the elderly, whose body is weakened.

To avoid worsening dehydration, it is important to maintain consistent hydration, i.e. nearly 1.5 L of water per day.

Symptoms of dehydration:

Dehydration is apparent through certain specific signs, including:

● less need to urinate;

● the absence of tears;

● Dry mouth, dry tongue, parched lips and skin;

● “grayish” skin;

● a depression of the fontanel (soft part of the infant's skull);

Diarrhea and vomiting are the most obvious signs.

Other symptoms can also accompany this diarrheal state: fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach aches or even abdominal cramps.

The presence of blood in the stools indicates significant dehydration, this is the most alarming condition.

Tests to perform to diagnose dehydration:

The test 1. Pinch the skin

Lack of hydration affects skin texture and elasticity. It is composed of approximately 30% water. To find out if the skin has enough fluid, pinch the skin on the back of your hand, between your thumb and index finger. If the skin springs back into place directly afterwards, this indicates sufficient moisture and elasticity. If it takes half a second or more for the skin to return to its original shape, this may be a sign of dehydration. When the body detects a shortage of water, it is withdrawn from the skin to allow other organs to function. This makes the skin stiff and can make it feel cool and clammy.

Test 2. Change of urine

Another red flag is urine. For example, color already says a lot about the hydration state of your body. Dark or honey-colored urine is a sign of possible dehydration. Urine consists of both water and waste products that must be eliminated from the body. In a well-hydrated body, urine turns pale yellow and is odorless. Urinating infrequently can also indicate dehydration.

How to cure it ?

If dehydration is mild, simply drinking plain water may be sufficient. On the other hand, if there has been a loss of water and electrolytes, the salts (especially sodium and potassium) must also be replaced. A number of commercial drinks are available that have been developed to help replace salts ( electrolytes ) lost during vigorous exercise or illness.

Hydratis offers this type of life-saving drink. By consuming these drinks, one can prevent dehydration or treat mild dehydration. The process is very simple: simply add the effervescent tablets to a large glass of water and then drink it. This should be done up to 2 or 3 times a day as needed to optimize hydration.

Drinking plenty of fluids and taking a little extra salt during or after exercise or during illnesses will also be effective. If dehydration worsens and blood pressure drops enough to cause shock or near shock, then it is an emergency situation that requires immediate medical attention. In such a serious case, an intravenous solution containing sodium chloride may be administered.

The underlying cause of dehydration should always be treated. For example, if diarrhea is the cause, taking medications that treat or stop diarrhea may also be necessary. Once the cause of dehydration is treated, you will need to be monitored to ensure that you are drinking enough fluids to stay hydrated. Your doctor may study your kidney function to make sure your kidneys are working properly when you take normal amounts of fluids.

If a child experiences symptoms of dehydration, contact a healthcare professional immediately.

To prevent dehydration, drink enough water, or fluid replacement products, when conditions are favorable for dehydration (e.g. hot, humid or cold weather, high altitude, physical exertion). vigorous physical activity). It is also important to avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks, which accelerate dehydration by increasing urine flow. It is recommended to consume 2 to 3 liters (approximately 8 glasses) of liquids every day.